Lacazette ready for Arsenal challenge

Alexandre Lacazette has revealed he always dreamed of joining Arsenal and pledged to help them win titles after sealing his club-record move from Lyon.The French international became the Gunners second summer signing on Wednesday, following the free transfer arrival of Sead Kolasinac from Schalke, penning a long-term deal at the Emirates.

BOOKMAKER’S ODDS

The 26-year-old is expected to add some much-needed cutting edge after grabbing 37 goals in all competitions last term. Bookmakers have shortened the odds on Arsenal completing deals to sign a number of players as they look to make waves in the current transfer window.

The Gunners have already completed a club record deal to bring in Alexandre Lacazette this month, and are believed to be working hard to strengthen in other areas also. Interestingly, Riyad Mahrez looks extremely likely to join the Gunners according to some bookmakers, with some prices quoting between 1/10 (1.1) and 1/2 (1.5). The Algerian winger showcased his true potential when winning the Premier League with Leicester in 2016, and deservedly picked up the PFA Player of the Year Award.

Although Arsenal will not feature in any Champions League football next season, free bets UK are confident they can do well in the Europa League with a player of his stature within their ranks. Despite being heavily linked with a big-money move for a number of years, the 26-year-old has waited until 2017 before taking the transfer plunge and making a move to England. He arrives at Emirates Stadium with a reputation as a prolific frontman, but one that is untested outside of the comfort zone of his homeland.

Arsenal boss Wenger has been keeping tabs on Lacazette for over ten years but the France forward has lifted the lid on his close relationship with fellow countryman Coquelin after signing on the dotted line.

On his first experience of the Emirates, the striker told Arsenal Media: “What happened was that we had won the European U19 Championship in France the previous day, so we only arrived at the hotel an hour before we had to set off for the Emirates! We arrived in good time for the warm-up. It’s just that by the time we traveled from the training camp in France to London, there was only an hour or two to spare.’

Lacazette, who scored the winner at the U19 tournament back in 2010, revealed he has been in contact with Coquelin ever since.

“Francis and I kept in touch after that,” Lacazette added. “We’ve had a lot of contact over the last few years and even more over the last few weeks, of course, since it became increasingly likely that I would come to Arsenal. He has said only good things about Arsenal, which is not surprising because he wanted me to join the club. Even without that I still really wanted to come here.